Matteo Politano strike earns Napoli 1-0 win over AC Milan as defending champions move second in Serie A | OneFootball

Napoli dug deep to claim a 1-0 victory over AC Milan in the Serie A at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Monday.

The result moves the defending champions into second place, two points ahead of Milan and seven points adrift of leaders Inter Milan.

Milan created an early chance when Christopher Nkunku fed Youssouf Fofana, who volleyed straight at Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

The Napoli goalkeeper almost gifted Milan a goal in the 13th minute as he misjudged a cross, but Strahinja Pavlovic headed wide.

Leonardo Spinazzola was the first to threaten for the defending champions, curling an effort just past the post.

Nkunku did well to create a shooting chance in the 35th minute, but he flashed his effort off target.

Giovane Nascimento missed a good chance to put the hosts ahead. His indecisiveness allowed Pavlovic to make a timely block to avert the danger.

The Brazilian was then denied by Mike Maignan in the 51st minute. He pushed his effort away with a low save.

Napoli continued to enjoy possession, but struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities.

They went ahead in the 79th minute. Matteo Politano blasted the ball home after poor defending by Milan.

Milan pushed for a late equaliser, but Napoli held on to keep their title hopes alive.